Xr650r V Xr400?

[geoxr]

Hi Guys,

Was just wondering if most or any of you guys had stepped up from XR400 to you're XR650's & what did you think?

Is it true that there's no substitute for cubic inches?

I've always fancied an XR650 but i'm thinking maybe they'd be overkill for where i ride (uk), no deserts here to blast through!

Was just wondering how the XR650 felt compared to an XR400 (kitted or standard)!

Might beat my 400 for another year & maybe trade up to the infamous BRP!

[highmark1]

Keep the 400.

[thumpasaurus]

Hi Guys,

Was just wondering if most or any of you guys had stepped up from XR400 to you're XR650's & what did you think?

Is it true that there's no substitute for cubic inches?

I've always fancied an XR650 but i'm thinking maybe they'd be overkill for where i ride (uk), no deserts here to blast through!

Was just wondering how the XR650 felt compared to an XR400 (kitted or standard)!

Might beat my 400 for another year & maybe trade up to the infamous BRP!

I just traded down from a 650R to a 400. If you have the need for speed you'll like the 650. I ride in the woods and the 650 was overkill and too much work. Decided I'd rather have the agility than the muscle. The 650's mega hyper drive was fun though.

[FOUR STOKED]

You already have bike that will never have a water leak, run just about forever, is lighter than a 650, and has decent suspension. Unless you want to run over 100 mph/160kilometers per hour,... you're doin fine with what you've got.

[FJT]

A Supermoto XR650R is about as much fun as it is possible to have... and you'll find a use for all that horsepower...

Regards,

FJT

[Maddox101]

I agree. The XR400 is a great bike for off road and trail riding. I had one years ago and I still miss the thing. I have a XR650R registered for street use,but rarely take it off road. I'll let the KTM handle the woods!

[mtrhd101]

I have dual sported a 400R, 600R and now a 650R and yes in that order.. I ride fast fire/dirt roads and street.. The 650R is the best one for fast trails and street and has better handling at speed than the 600 or 400.. If you ride slower technical trails the 650 is not the best bike, but in my opinion neither is the 400, there are better dirt bikes than the 400 for technical stuff and it's down on power for serious dual sport use.. I don't miss the 400 or 600, I will be keeping my BRP...

[huntmaster]

Was just wondering if most or any of you guys had stepped up from XR400 to you're XR650's & what did you think?Is it true that there's no substitute for cubic inches?

You don't need to move up to the 650 if you're just riding single track trails or green lanes as I remember them over there, and the 400 is very capable in that element. If faster road work is in the equation then perhaps the 650, which will still do the single track stuff. Neither is exactly what you would call a tight woods weapon... and those that are, aren't much fun on the motorway!

[oldturtle]

It all depends on where and how you ride. The XR400 is still the bike of choice for many riders who place reliability and ability to run on low octane gas above all else, this includes many who do their play riding in Baja. The XR400 is also a great bike for the extremes such as very easy play riding with beginners and also for the worst and gnarliest technical conditions where a 4 stroke is needed.

The 650R is a real hoot to ride in the easy and fast dual sport terrain. Very good riders can also make serious time in very gnarly technical areas where novices would have their hands full and wishing for their XR400.

I would think that if your priority is for performance in 1st thru 4th gears then stick with the XR400. If your priority is performance in 4th and 5th gears then think about the XR650R.

[BIG RED]

I went into the honda dealer last spring to buy a new 400 and found they were discontinued, thats the only reason i have a 650r. i love the power and now wouldn't trade it for anything, but i know i would have been just as happy with the 400 and i think if i were you i would keep it!

[mtrhd101]

Junk the 400, get a big bore... BRP !!!!

[2000 xr650r]

Junk the 400, get a big bore... BRP !!!! ?

Right ON!!! Don't junk it though, I'll take it!!! If you want tractor like tourqe and race winning horsepower the 650r is the only choice. I also think if you want a bike for slow technical trails get a cr250x or cr450x.

[Thumpmeister]

It depends on where you want to ride it, how you want to ride it, and how much effort you want to put into riding it. The 400 will be easier to ride on the trails, but the 650 might be a bit more of a race bike, and might have a bit better suspension. Also, depends on how big you are as well.

I'm 6'2", 255 lbs, and 11% bf. The 650 is just about the only bike that can take me. Plus, I'm big enough to where I can horse that thing around w/o much trouble. I ride my 650R in Walker Valley, wa, and will still outrun most guys there. If anyone has ever ridden there, they know what I mean; this is a place where you want to take a trials bike, not a 650R. Just depends on your comfort level, and where you ride. But, I'd have to agree w/ everyone else; get the 400.

[skyriver]

Rob hits on a good point. Size does matter here. I'm 6'4" and probably 230+ with gear on and I can't imagine riding a bike much smaller when it comes to hill climbs and sand. It kicks my butt a little in the tight stuff, but all it takes is a few straights and I catch whoever I'm following. I would think if you're under 200 lbs and like the tight stuff stick with a 400. If you rarely get your 400 out of 4th, you'll never get the 650 out of 3rd!